A.S. Face 1031: Mellissa Doolittle

I was in my final year of University when I started having lower back and hip pain. It continually got worse to the point I was only attending one class a week in the Fall Semester, but I somehow managed to pull of some good grades. By November my family Doctor had put me on Dilaudid for the pain while I waited for a Rheumatology appointment.

I finally got the letter, my appointment was in May, 11 days before my graduation. I was diagnosed with Ankylosing Spondylitis. As of now I have had some success and failures with the disease. There is still inflammation in my SI joints, lower back, and hips, and damage to my neck and shoulders. Most of my stomach issues are under control. I’m hoping to start a more rigorous treatment pending my October follow-up appointment.

Exercise is still hard, but I tend to keep with yoga, biking and swimming.

It’s a challenge everyday, but I have a great support team. The future is hopeful!

Nova Scotia, Canada

One Response to “A.S. Face 1031: Mellissa Doolittle”

Dear Mellissa,
Thank you so much for sharing your story with us.
Sincerely Cookie

Cookie Has A.S. said this on October 6, 2013 at 6:35 pm | Reply

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